He said the Philippine government is exploring all possible channels to promote goodwill between the two nations, whose relationship was strained after eight Hong Kong nationals were killed in a hostage incident three years ago.

Hong Kong continues to pressure the Philippine government to apologize following the incident but Pres. Aquino has repeatedly ruled out doing so.

Over the weekend, The South China Morning Post reported that a non-binding Legislative Council motion urging the suspension of the visa-free privilege to Filipinos is set to be passed on Wednesday as lawmakers from different parties expressed support for it.